"The city of Sparta will be destroyed by the Persians, unless one of its kings dies!" The words of the Oracle did not frighten Leonidas. As the king of Sparta, he knew very well what he had to do.

He called the Spartan soldiers and asked them, "How many of you have sons?" Only then did they realize that this mission was for a select few. He chose three hundred, while the others scattered, disappointed.

Leonidas had to take with him men who had left behind sons to carry on their lineage and name. He knew there would be no return from the battle at Thermopylae...